Obama's visit fell short

Experiencing Obama's visit was like biting into a Twinkie - high expectations for something that looks good, followed by disappointment because the confection didn't have much substance or nutrition.

Certainly, it was newsworthy and impressive that a sitting President visited the area.

But how it was carried off left a lot to be desired.

I found it interesting that newscasters and daily newspaper personnel fawned over Obama when he visited - and it's clear they don't hold him to the same rigid standard that they did with former President George W. Bush.

Obama blew into Troy and delivered a quick, scripted speech to a small select audience, and exited as quickly as he arrived.

He had virtually no contact with the general public. His presentation was in a secured garage/classroom and the audience was about 200 people hand-selected and pre-screened by White House staffers.

He read nearly word-for-word from a prepared speech. Even most of his quips had been drafted in advance.

Although Obama delivered his speech with passion, confidence and his undeniable style and swagger - much of it was "announcing" re-packaged pending legislation as if the measures were brand-new initiatives.

Obama didn't meet the press and answer questions.

When George W. Bush visited Wilmington on Earth Day in 2002, he also followed a script.

However, Bush held a full press conference, fielding a dozen or so questions from the local press. Plus, he chatted with quite a few area residents.

But unlike Obama's appearance, Bush's visit received plenty of disdain in editorials, if not outright ridicule from the media.

It's curious, considering the many questions that do exist about the Democrats proposals, and the turmoil in New York state politics - that Obama didn't hold a press conference.

Imagine a different scene - Obama delivering the speech in a large venue, allowing thousands to attend, just as he did after winning the presidency.